Global Shipowners and Seafarers’ Unions Agree on Minimum Wage for Seafarers

A message from Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University
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I am delighted to note that the global Shipowner group and Seafarers’ Unions have agreed on a three year global minimum wage for the world’s seafarers. Considering the challenges seafarers have faced over the past two years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agreement reached for a three-year global minimum wage ‘safety net’ is historic. The agreement was reached by the special Sub-Committee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which met from 16-17 May 2022.

A resolution was adopted by a Sub-Committee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the ILO, which met from 17-22 May 2022. The Sub-Committee raised the ILO minimum basic wage for an able seafarer from to US$658 per month as of 1 January 2023. The rate will be increased to US$666 as of 1 January 2024 and to US$673 as of 1 January 2025. The agreement reached takes effect from 1 July 2022 and applies to all seafarers worldwide.

In light of the challenges that seafarers have faced and continue to face, the decision made by the JMC is to be welcomed. This decision will have a positive impact on seafarers worldwide, recognizing the contribution they make and in particular have experienced during this pandemic.  

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry
President
World Maritime University

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